CONWAY, S.C. – Mercer Men's Soccer dropped a tough 1-0 decision tonight to Coastal Carolina in the opening round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament. The contest was played at CCU Soccer Stadium in Conway, S.C. STAT OF THE MATCHCoastal Carolina outshot the Bears, 13-9 for the duration of the match. The Chanticleers also held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.HOW IT HAPPENEDThe Chanticleers wasted no time in scoring tonight, netting the game's only goal in the 22ndminute. Coastal Carolina needed just four shots to find the back of the net as Frantzdy Pierrot buried the game-winning goal, assisted by Martin Melchor.The Bears nearly scored in the 32nd minute as Trenton Whitely had a good look on frame. Whitely's strike was turned away by Braulio Linares-Ortiz to keep the Chanticleers ahead, 1-0.The two squads duked it out in the second half, going head-to-head as Coastal outshout Mercer in the final stanza, 6-5. The Bears saw two chances go by the wayside as Roberto Arteaga's shot in the 67th minute and Whitely's effort in the 71st minute were turned away. Mercer could not even the match after Jake Mezei's final shot in the 86th minute sailed just wide.

NOTABLES

The Bears fell to 0-4 in the NCAA Tournament following tonight's 1-0 loss.